Graduate Internship: Natural Resources (SASA)

SOUTH AFRICAN SUGAR ASSOCIATION

External Affairs Division: Natural Resources

Graduate Internship: Natural Resources / Environmental Management

The Natural Resources Department, within the Division of External Affairs, aims to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the industry by providing support to industry members as custodians of natural resources, encouraging sustainable resource management specifically in the sugar industry which is located in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

The National Resources department offers one graduate opportunity per year to an unemployed graduate seeking that critical first year of work experience that will establish a platform for their future career success! Applications are invited from graduates from the natural resources, environmental science and sustainable renewable energy related disciplines.

This internship, under the direct mentorship of our Natural Resources Manager, is based in Mount Edgecombe and the appointed intern will have exposure to and acquire skills in:

• Localised stakeholder interaction and environmental gatherings
• Assisting with basic project management i.e. planning and coordinating project team meetings, reviewing documents, planning and arrangements for local workshops and local events
• Providing administrative support to the Natural Resources Manager
• Assist in information gathering, research and drafting articles on key natural resources and renewable energy issues for further communication
• Monitoring trends in key natural resources and renewable energy issues for the sugar industry

The ideal applicant will have:

Qualifications

• This programme specifically targets South African candidates who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree and / or Post-Graduate Degree in Environmental, Natural Science, Sustainable Energy, Hydrology, Geography or related discipline

Skills and Interests

• Working knowledge Microsoft office packages;
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Be able to plan and prioritise tasks and project activities
• Confident to engage with internal and external stakeholders
• Basic project management skills
• Broad level of interest in environmental and renewable energy sector issues
• A valid driver’s license
• A team player that can self-motivate and work independently

Term of the programme:

• Participants will be offered a maximum one year intern contract.

Benefits:

• The selected candidate will receive an allowance of R3 500.00 on a monthly basis.

Application Procedures:

Only applications submitted through our online job portal will be considered. To enter the portal, please visit www.sasa.org.za, select the careers page and select the wording “Click here to apply for any of the positions listed below”. Please feel welcome to provide comprehensive information when making your submission as this will assist our short-listing process.

Aspects of SASA’s Recruitment Policy applicable to this Vacancy
SASA recognises the need for employers in South Africa to contribute to transformation through active support for the provisions of the Employment Equity Act and Black Economic Empowerment legislation, and recognises the high level of unemployment in our country. Accordingly, our first priority is the provision of employment opportunities to South African nationals. Applications for employment by foreign nationals are considered only in the event that a comprehensive recruitment process has failed to result in the appointment of a suitable South African candidate.

The ideal candidate will have the following competencies:

Ability

• listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally
• work independently as well as in a team
• communicate information & ideas verbally
• provide feedback on key issues from stakeholders at local levels
• provide administrative support to the line manager
• monitor trends in key natural resources and renewable energy issues
• assist with project management
• plan and coordinate project team meetings
• represent at local enviromental committee meetings,local/municiple/provincial forums and enviromental gatherings
• work with Microsoft office packages competently
• assist with drafting articles on key natural resources and renewable energy issues
• assist with facilitating workshops and local events

Knowledge

• research methods to study the results of work on farms, forests and research stations

The South African Sugar Association (SASA) provides a diverse range of highly specialised services to the South African sugar industry and our activities are funded in the main by the sugarcane growers and sugar milling companies. Our mission is to provide specialist services that enhance the profitability, global competitiveness and sustainability of the South African sugar industry.

How to apply

Click here to apply online

Closing date: 23 March 2014